Huynh, Adrienne

Modem, Dial-up, DSL, Cable, Wireless

This page will include definitions and explanations for Modem, Dial-up, DSL, Cable, and Wireless.

Modem:

The term, modem, is also known as modulator or demodulator for short. What a modem does is that it converts the digital data from the computer and then transmit those signals over the telephone or cable lines. Modems are used to communicate and transfer data between computers over a network. Usually, modems are organized by a certain amount of data it transfers in a given unit of time, which is either expressed in measurements of bits per second or in baud.

Modems

Dial-up:

Dial-up uses a dial-up modem.

Dial-up is a form of internet access that uses the telephone network to achieve a dialed connection to an internet service provider. This type of connection is made possible through the use of telephone lines. Additionally, dial-up requires quite a bit time to establish an internet connection because of its low speed. Lastly, the way that dial-up modems work is by taking the electronic signals inside of your computer and converting them into sound. Once that sound is converted into electronic signals inside the telephone, it will get sent through the lines and then converted back into sounds so that the other person can hear.

Dial-up

DSL:

DSL stands for "Digital Subscriber Line". It is a device to be used when converting computer signals into a format that is required for the DSL transmission. Additionally, it enables digital data to be transmitted through a local telephone network. Even though DSL modems operate on the same lines as telephones, it operates in such a manner that allows the signals to not interfere with the voice telephone service. Due to the fact that DSL signals and telephone signals do not interfere with each other, it allows DSL data transmission and telephone usage to occur simultaneously. There are several variations of DSL service and speed. Most common DSL lines can download data at various speeds from 256 kbps to 1.544 mbps.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line

Cable:

A cable modem provides high-speed data transmission through the use of cable television lines. Cable modems that provide internet service requires a cable modem and a connection through a cable company. Cable companies provide the high-speed data transmissions by installing a fast, high capacity optical fiber cable at distributions centers throughout various neighborhoods. Additionally, cable modems transmit signals that do not interfere with television signals, and most of the time, they operate at the same speed as DSL modems.

Cable

Wireless:

Wireless is the transfer of signals between two or more points that are not physically connected. The most common wireless technology is used to connect laptops and the internet from different locations. Another common use for wireless is through mobile networks. Wireless technology enables consumers to be connected at all times without the use of cable wires. Wireless internet typically connects through a router that transmit a signal that is used for sending and receiving data.